Self-immolations have had resonance in the Arab world since a
Tunisian vegetable seller set himself on fire two years ago. His death
in January 2011 triggered the wave of uprisings that toppled leaders
across North Africa and the Middle East.Sunday’s incident in Iraq shows the frustration among Sunnis that has not ebbed despite concessions from Maliki.

In 2011, the Arab Spring made Nouri nervous. Today?

As the protests continue, you have people like KRG President Massoud Barzani talking of the need for a solution. Al Mada reports on how he feels the protesters must be listened to and legitimate concerns addressed. Aswat al-Iraq adds, "Ex-Kurdish premier Barham Saleh expressed his concern on the continuation of the crises in Iraq, pointing "if these are not confronted, the country will end into party or national catastrophe, which will affect not only Iraq but the region as a whole." And Nouri's response? Alsumaria reports it's to fly off the handle.

Since December 21st, protests have been taking place. This Friday, they get kicked up another notch. And Nouri refuses to address the demands of the protesters. Alsumaria reports that Deputy Speaker Arif Tayfur has stated that Nouri's point-person on the protests, Deputy Prime Minister Hussain al-Shahristani is not negotiating with the protesters

The editorial board of Gulf News points out, "It is time for the political leaders to offer a more coherent way
forward. In this, Maliki needs to re-start an active dialogue with Sunni
and Kurdish leaders to re-establish the government’s credibility as a
government for all Iraqis."

With over 200 violent deaths in the month so far, you'd expect that Nouri al-Maliki would at least try to offer leadership. Instead, he demonstrates that a person can hold the office of prime minister for six years and learn nothing -- not even basic leadership skills.

Which is why the story of Iraq since the 2003 US invasion is a tragedy, an unchanging tragedy, day after day. In 2010, Iraqis voted for a change, Barack Obama denied their vote, discarded their wishes and put the full weight of the US government behind Nouri al-Maliki. As everyone can now see, that was a dangerous and deadly mistake.

About Me

We do not open attachments. Stop e-mailing them. Threats and abusive e-mail are not covered by any privacy rule. This isn't to the reporters at a certain paper (keep 'em coming, they are funny). This is for the likes of failed comics who think they can threaten via e-mails and then whine, "E-mails are supposed to be private." E-mail threats will be turned over to the FBI and they will be noted here with the names and anything I feel like quoting.
This also applies to anyone writing to complain about a friend of mine. That's not why the public account exists.